Our Services / Food Allergies

What are food allergies?

Food allergies cause your immune system to react to foods that don’t bother others. They may cause unpleasant or severe and life-threatening symptoms in some cases. At Allergy, Asthma, Bronchitis, and Immunology Associates, Dr. Friedman lets you know which food allergies, if any, you have and offers treatments for symptom relief. 

What are the symptoms of food allergies?

Common symptoms you could experience if you have food allergies include:

• Digestive problems
• Swollen airways
• Hives
• Eczema
• Mouth tingling or itching
• Hives
• Facial swelling
• Wheezing
• Nasal congestion
• Nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting
• Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening condition that can cause severe shortness of breath, throat swelling, dizziness, shock, or loss of consciousness. 

Food allergies affect about 8% of kids under age five and about 4% of adults. Children sometimes outgrow food allergies. 

Food intolerances can also contribute to unpleasant symptoms, but they’re often less severe than the symptoms caused by food allergies. 

What are common food allergens?

Common food allergens, or foods that may cause allergic reactions, include:

• Fish
• Shellfish
• Peanuts
• Tree nuts
• Eggs
• Wheat
• Soy 
• Cow’s milk

You or your child could have more than one type of food allergy.

What are the risk factors for food allergies?

The cause of food allergies isn’t clear, but some factors increase your risk of developing them. Examples include having other types of allergies and family history of food allergies. Food allergies are more common in children and may occur together with asthma. 

How does my provider diagnose food allergies?

Your Allergy, Asthma, Bronchitis, and Immunology Associates provider discusses your symptoms and medical history with you to find out if you have food allergies. Dr. Friedman completes a physical exam and often recommends that you undergo blood tests, skin prick tests, an elimination diet, or in-office food testing, where you’re given tiny amounts of certain foods.

How are food allergies treated?

Common treatments for food allergies include:

Allergen avoidance

Steering clear of certain foods or drinks that trigger allergic reactions is a good way to avoid reactions. 

Medications

Taking certain medicines can reduce unpleasant symptoms associated with food allergies. 

Emergency epinephrine

Emergency epinephrine is an injection of a medication that you administer yourself in the case of a severe allergic reaction. Doing so can reduce life-threatening symptoms until you’re able to receive medical treatment. 

Exposure therapy

Exposure to tiny amounts of certain foods, with increased exposure over time, can help desensitize your body to allergic reactions associated with certain foods.

If you suspect you or a loved one has food allergies, schedule an appointment with Allergy, Asthma, Bronchitis, and Immunology Associates by phone or online today.